Key facts
- Villasimius, Sardinia, has implemented strict rules for Punta Molentis beach following a 2025 fire.
- Adults are banned from using beach umbrellas; shade is permitted only for children and those over 65.
- Daily access is capped at 150 people and 70 vehicles, with a 10 euro entrance fee.
- The measures aim to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem and ensure visitor safety.
- Restrictions also apply to sea access, including a one-hour stay limit and a ban on backpacks and cool bags.
Villasimius, a town in Sardinia, has introduced stringent regulations for Punta Molentis beach, a popular tourist destination, following a severe fire in July 2025 that damaged its ecosystem and endangered visitors. The new measures, effective from June 6 to October 31, 2026, aim to protect the fragile environment and manage visitor impact.
Under the order issued by Mayor Gianluca Dessì, adults are prohibited from setting up beach umbrellas or any other shading devices. Shade is permitted exclusively for family groups with children up to 10 years old and for individuals aged 65 and over. Land access to the beach is capped at a maximum of 70 vehicles per day and 150 people at any given time. Additionally, an entrance fee of 10 euros per person is required.
Access by sea is also restricted to 100 people at a time, accessible only through authorized operators, with a strict one-hour limit for stays and a ban on bringing backpacks and cool bags. The mayor emphasized the necessity of these extraordinary measures to safeguard the protected habitats and ensure the safety of beachgoers, stressing the importance of keeping human pressure within limits compatible with the beach's current condition.
These regulations have sparked significant backlash and ironic commentary on social media, with some residents questioning the logic and others calling for a boycott. Concerns have also been raised about the reinvestment of the proceeds from ticket sales, with demands for improvements to local infrastructure.